How do public and private schools compare in Milwaukee?

I went to the University School of Milwaukee, a private school, my entire life, and I don't think I got a very good education (with the exception of my history classes). I took one AP class and two AP exams in all my years there b/c that was all that was offered, thus entering college with 3 AP credits. When I got to Columbia University, I really wasn't ready intellectually or socially. Fortunately, I met my boyfriend, AN MPS GRADUATE (from Rufus King where I later ended up teaching for 16 years; I teach at Hamilton now & it is also a very good school), and he brought with him TWENTY FOUR advanced placement credits due to King's International Baccalaureate program. HE was the one who taught me how to really read and write, NOT University School. Moreover, University School does not get its students ready for the real world b/c there is very little diversity there, especially in terms of economic class. I didn't even consider sending my daughter there--she has attended MPS since nursery and will graduate from MPS!!!35262

I would have to say that I am not a fan of public schools. I attended Elementary School and Middle School in the West Allis School district and it was horrible. I fell so far behind in my studies that I finally had to repeat 7th grade. The only factor that saved me academically was attending a private all girl Catholic high school; DSHA. It was wonderful to be in such a positive atmosphere with teachers who actually cared and believed in you, because of that school alone, I am now a college graduate. I will never send my children to public school of any kind. They have become too politically correct as well as having over crowded classrooms with teachers who have to pause teaching to deal with spoiled apples ruining the bunch.59830

It all depends on the school. You have to do your research. As a child I attended a Catholic school in Milwaukee, and I think I got a good education. I entered public school in middle school in the suburbs, and I feel like I got a good education there as well. I have taught and subbed in MPS (elementary schools), and did not see any schools that "wowed" me. I currently teach at a private school in Milwaukee, and I definitely want to get back into the public school sector. I know that not every private school is like the one I teach at, and I know that not every public school is like the ones I experienced. There are some really great schools, and some not-so great schools (I unfortunately have only experienced the not-so great schools). You just have to do your research, ask around, and visit the schools!63474

I attended private colleges in the state of WI after moving here and by far the best one was Mount Mary College. I had awesome instructors and work which related to the wider world. Our daughters also attended private schools ,for the most part ,and received an excellent education. We especially liked the academics and diversity of Pius XI as a high school and their elementary school of st. Mary's Faith Community, Hales Corners, which promoted great values and academics. One daughter did go to a public high school , which she said was ok (suburban, but she aced it too easy she said) Her 3 sisters attended private high schools with more rigor. Other than that I taught at one of the largest MPS High Schools on the south side, until recently. I knew it would be a challenge and loved it at first, especially with the diversity, but in the last l l/12 - 2 years it has really deteriorated or I guess I should say continued to decline. Teachers are trying to teach, but no one suports them and students are being passed without actually earning the grade they should have (this was happening when I first got there but i didn't realize it at first )- I speak from experience. It's sad because 85 percentof my students were great and I really cared about them and their future.However, the last time I visitied the morale of the teachers was even worse. Any suggestions or help would be appreicated for this high school. I should say I have now subbed at a private high school and the teachers are well respected, the values of the kids great or of course they go to the dean. I'v also subbed at a suburban school and one was very nice; the other some of the kids were so entitled that they felt they didn't have to do work the last two weeks of school. No one seemed to care? so, I guess you have to check carefully into schools you are considering for your chidl. AC Milwaukee79148

As a Milwaukee parent, I've chosen an MPS school, and have been very happy with my son's education so far. But I would echo what "TheFuture" said above - it really depends on the school. There are good and bad schools in both the public and private arenas here in Milwaukee. If you do your research, do a lot of comparison and asking around, you'll have an excellent chance at finding an excellent school.80110

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